Repsol riders complete productive first day in Assen, with Rins fourth and Marquez fifth on timesheets.
The 65th edition of the Dutch TT kicked off this Thursday in Assen, as per the unique timetable for this historic event. Free Practice –brought forward a day from the usual GP schedule– saw Alex Rins and Alex Marquez finish the day pleased with their feeling and in fourth and fifth position, respectively.
With overcast skies and rain forecast for 2pm, the Repsol riders put in 18 laps each in the opening session. Rins took the third best time and Marquez the sixth, in a session that was the latter’s first experience with the Dutch track. In the second runout, rain finally arrived, albeit five minutes from the end. The Repsol riders had progressed beforehand, with Rins fourth –0.699 off top man Luis Salom. Marquez was fifth –0.861 off the fastest time.
The third practice session and qualifying take place tomorrow, with rain expected throughout the day.
Alex Rins >> Audio
FP1 – 1:45.105, 18 laps, 12 km.
FP2 – 1:44.210, 14 laps, 64 km.
“It was a good session. In the first Free Practice we adapted to the circuit and then I completed a few good laps. In the afternoon it just started to rain when we had fresh tyres on. Yet despite the weather, we have done a good job ahead of tomorrow morning’s session, and although we need to refine a few things I’m happy because we are on the right path.”
Alex Marquez >> Audio
FP1 – 1:45.509, 18 laps, 82 km.
FP2 – 1:44.372, 16 laps, 73 km.
“I am very happy with the first day of practice and, since the start, the circuit has been good for me. In the morning I went pretty fast and I thought it would take a little more time. The fast part is where I am enjoying it most, because they are the corners that best suit me. We know we have to improve a bit in the first sector –one of the slowest parts. In the afternoon we took a step forward and I lowered our time again, and that’s very important. For tomorrow we can still improve some things, so hopefully the weather will be dry.”
